These are the recently updated
requirements for the
Computers merit badge, as awarded by the
Boy Scouts of America. I realize that they want to make it possible for anyone to earn a merit badge, but at least the Camping merit badge requires that you actually camp. I don't even want to tell you what the old requirements were... I'll sum it up in two words:
punch cards. Maybe I'll node them when I find the old book. Without further ado...
- Give a short history of computers. Describe the major parts of a computer system. Give four different uses of computers.
- Do the following:
- Tell what a program is and how it is developed.
- Give three examples of programming languages and what types of programming they are used for.
- Describe a source program and an object program.
Show how the following may be stored in computer memory: text, numbers, pictures, and sound.
Do THREE of the following:
- Use a database manager to create a troop roster, providing name, rank, patrol, and telephone number of each Scout. Sort the register by rank, by patrol, and alphabetically by name.
- Use a spreadsheet program to develop a weekend campout food budget for your patrol.
- Use a word processor to write a letter to parents of your troop's Scouts, inviting them to a court of honor. Use the mail merge feature to make a personalized copy of the letter for each family.
- Use a computer graphics program to design and draw a camp-site plan for your troop.
Do TWO of the following:
- Visit a business or industry that uses computers. Study what the computer accomplishes and be prepared to discuss what you observed.
- Use a computer attached to a local area network or equipped with a modem to connect to a computer network or bulletin-board service such as Prodigy, CompuServe, America Online. Send a message to someone on the network or download a program or file from the network.
- Use a general-purpose programming language to write a program application of your choice, subject to approval by your counselor.
Be prepared to discuss several terms used in each of the following categories:
- Input/output devices
- Storage Media
- Memory
- Processors and co-processors
- Modems
- Networks
- Electronic Mail
- Robotics
Be prepared to discuss various jobs in the computer field.
Is it permissible to accept a free copy of a computer game or program from a friend? Why or why not?
Describe several ways in which you and your family could use a personal computer other than for games and recreation.